6 steps to enhanced resilience

6 Ways to Build Resilience

You know it, I know it, your neighbour’s dog knows it. Life is hard. And more often than not, not by our own efforts or faults, adverse situations just come flying at us left, right and centre. We can’t control it, and we certainly don’t enjoy it. But what we can control is how we respond to these situations and how we interpret them. Here are six ways that can help you become someone who continues to develop, grow, and function despite your circumstances.

 

  1.  Own your scars

Adverse situations leave unforgettable pains and trauma. But being resilient isn’t about coming out unscathed. Resilient people continue to struggle and fight daily. They continue to function regardless and emerge as persons able to lead gratifying lives. It’s about walking out with the scars you have to show for your experience, and continuing to grow every day.

  1. Reflect on the past

 

Acknowledge the past trauma you’ve experienced. It wasn’t great, and there’s no need to pretend it was. However, rather than blaming yourself or others for what has happened, go back and reinterpret past events to find the strengths that you had all along but never noticed. Because after all, you are more than the sum of your experiences.

  1. Learn from your past

Many life difficulties can inflict considerable harm on a person. But resilient people continue to be challenged by such troubles and learn to respond actively and creatively to hits of adversity each time. These skills can become developed into their inner selves as lasting strengths, and the adversities can be pre-emptively avoided in the future.

  1. Make goals

 

Certain goals may no longer be attainable because of what has happened. But that is OK. Accept that change is a part of living and start developing some realistic goals for the future. Start small and take decisive actions towards bigger future goals. You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve when you stay flexible and take baby steps.

  1. Get a support network

It’s not going to be an easy ride, and you might need help along the way. Know where to go to look for help, whether it be a friend or an organisation. In return, as a resilient person, you can also be out there supporting other people who may be facing similar hardships to what you have experienced.

  1. Take care of yourself

Trust in your ability to problem solve and maintain a hopeful outlook that enables you to expect that good things can happen in your life. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings and engage in activities that you enjoy. This will prepare your body to be in a good space to deal with any future situations that require resilience.

 

As is with most skills, practise makes perfect. So why not give these tips a try the next time you face a situation that requires a bit of resilience.